Monday, February 20, 2006

This weekend we planned to have a look at a couple more sights of London. Once again London turned on an overcast and rainy day. The plan was to just have a look at Tower Bridge, but we got off the bus a bit early and had a look at the Monument.

The Monument was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London. The fires started 202 feet away from the base of the Monument in a bakery on Pudding Lane - the exact height of the Monument.

The Monument

The art work is very intricate carvings of stone,with inscriptions paying respect to the fire.

We were not aware at the time, but you can climb the inside ofthe Monument and take in the view of the city. The Monumenthas a cantilevered stone staircase of 311 steps anda viewing platform at the top.

Still a long way to go!!!!

The view from the top of the tower. You cansee a hazy view of our next destinationbetween our heads!

A few pictures of the view from the top of the tower. Thetower looks down into the banking district of London.

Going back down and it's still a long way!

Pudding Lane is the street where the fire started. Theoriginal site of the bakery is now covered withan office building.

All that climbing made us hungry so we stopped for a bit of lunchat a patisserie called Paul, who are world renowned for theirextremely yummy breads, pastries, tarts etc. Probably not recommendedfor a Weight Watchers diet!

This little bird decided he wanted to help useat our lunch. He had the most beautiful songand his colour was very detailed.

Tower Bridge

The bridge was closed for traffic for the day for repairs. Sinceit was being repaired we got to see the bridge go up anddown a number of times. Usually the bridge only opens around500 times a year, and any ships wanting to have it opened arerequired to give at least 24 hours notice.

Four of these coal powered boilers provided the steamto raise and lower the bridge. Only two boilers would bein operation at a time, generally up to 4 months. When notin operation the other boilers were repaired and scoured forlime scale.

I've been going to the gym (thanks for noticing), but stillI don't think I would have been able to turn too many nuts withthese big fellas.